Malcolm Delaney sees his first NBA season as a tale of two halves.
The Hawks backup point guard was a prominent part of the rotation for much of the season until his playing time decreased the final month of the regular season and the playoffs.
Delaney said he has spent his summer trying to make sure that doesn’t happen again.
“For me, I think I did well the first half and the second half I got too comfortable,” Delaney said. “They were telling me I was doing the right stuff and I tried to do that. I wasn’t trying to do too much or take on another role that wasn’t my role on the team. It kind of hurt me a little bit. Once coach sat me some, it kind of killed my confidence. I was playing not to come out of the game instead of how I was early in the year. Second half I didn’t really like. That won’t happen again.
“I’m back in the gym trying to get back to what I’ve been doing my whole career, being aggressive. I get a chance to work on my game and my body all summer for the first time in 10 years. I’ve been feeling a lot better.”
The Hawks acquired veteran Jose Calderon late in the season for the stretch run. After being the only Hawks player to appear in every game, Delaney did not play in four straight games in March and went through a stretch where he missed nine of 15 games. He played in just one of the Hawks’ six playoff games for a total of three minutes.
Delaney said he has been in the gym for much of the summer save for one vacation. He came to Las Vegas on Sunday to watch the Hawks’ summer league team and was courtside in between morning and evening workout sessions.
The Hawks will be a much different team next season. Delaney is one of six players returning from the 15 that ended the season. There are more signings to come before the Hawks open next season. Delaney said he thinks he will retain his backup point guard position and perhaps be able to take on a bigger role.
“Like I said, I’m working,” Delaney said. “This is my contract year. I have to take everything a lot more seriously, from my body to how I approach every game. I think having a year under my belt, helps me out a lot.
“It’s part of the business. I didn’t expect (a rebuilt roster) to be that way coming back but it could help me out. Maybe I can play some more, get a chance to do a little more. Hopefully coach will give me a bigger role. I don’t know who else we are signing but I’m just getting prepared.”
In his first NBA season after a lengthy career overseas, Delaney averaged 5.4 points, 2.6 assists, 1.7 rebounds and 17.1 minutes in 73 games.
Delaney said he spent this working at being more aggressive, doing more around the rim and his 3-point shot.
“I’ll be ready for whatever role coach gives me,” Delaney said.
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